STURMINSTER NEWTON 1 CHICKERELL UTD 3

CHICKERELL reacted to their 6-0 drubbing by Parley with a hard-fought win at Barnets Field on Saturday to move to within two points of top spot in the Dorset Senior League.

Boss Steve Coward made several changes to his side after their humbling in the Dorset Senior Trophy a week earlier, and they had the desired effect as the Chickens got back to winning ways.

Dan Welch came in at full-back, Steve Welch and Matt Harvey dropped into defence, and striker Warren White took up a position in the centre of midfield.

The visitors went in front after 20 minutes when James Hansford produced a fine finish to beat the home keeper, and that was how it stayed for the remainder of the half.

However, the hosts were level within five minutes of the restart.

Liam Miles was involved in a coming together with a Sturminster Newton player and the Chickerell man ended up conceding a penalty which was dispatched.

That setback didn’t deter Coward’s men and Jamie Rawlings fired home to make it 2-1 before substitute Shane Lock was fouled in the box and Nick Etherington converted from the spot.

With league leaders Gillingham Town Reserves not playing and second-placed Dorchester Sports losing 3-1 to Witchampton United, the Chickens’ win saw them close the gap on the two teams at the summit.

Assessing his side’s game, Coward said: “After conceding six goals against Parley we wanted to make sure we were stronger in defence on Saturday.

“We did that and it’s nice when something like that comes off.

“It was a very physical game and there were a few of their lads on yellow cards who could have had a second one.

“I had young Aaron Ryan playing for me but it was that physical I didn’t think it was right to keep him out there for the second half.”

He added: “We were a lot better throughout compared to the week before but there were still some mistakes.

“When we go forward we usually do it with pace, but that is still lacking a bit.

“We would have given Parley a much better game if we’d had the same attitude last week as we did this week.

“I’m not saying we would have won but it would have been a lot closer.”

Chickerell do not have a fixture scheduled for this weekend.

Chickens: Bickerstaff, Harvey, Miles, S Welch, D Welch (Taylor), White, Etherington, Rawlings (Stewart), Boatswain, Ryan (Lock), Hansford